FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to facilitating wireless communication,
including but not limited to configuration adjustment for chipset logging on a wireless
communication device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] User equipment (UE) devices, such as smartphones, laptops, augmented reality (AR)
or virtual reality (VR) head wearable displays (HWD), can be used for wireless communication
with other network devices or services via cellular, or other wireless networks. Wireless
communication can be implemented using a variety of network communication protocols
and in a variety of regions. UE devices can include various circuitry for implementing
wireless communication via external networks using region-specific configurations.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present technical solutions are directed to systems and methods for adjusting
configurations for wireless communication, such as WLAN band or power settings, based
on location. UE devices can have multiple configurations that can be selected and
used for wireless communications with different APs (e.g., APs for WLAN or base stations
for cellular networks). These configurations however are often regulated based on
the region, such as a country, in which the device is located. Deploying UE devices
across these regions makes it challenging to identify suitable configurations for
the UE devices. While UE device manufacturers can limit configurations to only those
available everywhere, doing so restricts options and precludes UE devices from selecting
the most suitable configuration (e.g., WLAN configuration) for their individual use.
These technical solutions provide the UE devices with the functionality to set up
configurations based on their locations, which can be determined using different location
detection methodologies.
[0004] At least one aspect of the technical solutions is directed to a wireless communication
device. The device includes at least one processor configured to detect a wireless
network of an access point (AP) (e.g., AP for WLAN, or base station for a cellular
network) configured to support wireless communication according to a plurality of
configurations. The at least one processor is further configured to identify, based
at least on a plurality of weights for a plurality of modes for geolocation determination,
a mode of the plurality of modes corresponding to a weight of the plurality of weights
and determine a geolocation of the AP using the mode and the weight. The at least
one processor is further configured to select, based at least on the geolocation of
the AP, a configuration of the plurality of configurations to use for wireless communication
with the AP.
[0005] The at least one processor may be configured to detect a signal of the wireless network
of the AP that includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) device or a cellular
network device; and select, from the plurality of modes, one or more modes responsive
to the detection of the signal. The plurality of modes can include at least two of:
a mode for geolocation determination using a navigation satellite system, a mode for
geolocation determination using a code received from a cellular network, a mode for
geolocation determination using a WLAN positioning system, a mode for geolocation
determination using an internet protocol (IP) address of the wireless communication
device and a mode for geolocation determination using a Bluetooth signal.
[0006] The at least one processor may be configured to determine one or more weights of
the plurality of weights using at least one of: a strength of a signal of at least
one of navigation satellite system or a cellular network, an error rate of the signal
of at least one of the navigation satellite system or the cellular network, or access
to a WLAN positioning system or an internet protocol (IP) address. The at least one
processor may be configured to identify, based on the plurality of weights, a second
mode of the plurality of modes corresponding to a second weight of the plurality of
weights; and determine the geolocation of the AP using the second mode and the second
weight.
[0007] The at least one processor may be configured to select, based at least on the geolocation
of the AP, for the configuration, a communication band of a plurality of communication
bands; and configure the wireless communication device according to the configuration
to use the communication band for wireless communication between the wireless communication
device and the AP. The at least one processor may be configured to select, based at
least on the geolocation of the AP, for the configuration, a channel of a plurality
of channels of a communication band; and configure the wireless communication device
according to the configuration to use the channel for wireless communication between
the wireless communication device and the AP.
[0008] The at least one processor may be configured to select, based at least on the geolocation
of the AP, for the configuration, a power level from a plurality of power levels for
transmission of wireless communications; and configure the wireless communication
device according to the configuration to transmit communications of the wireless communication
device to the AP at the power level. The wireless communication device can be one
of: a smart glasses device, a head wearable device, a smartphone device, a mobile
hotspot device, or a wireless access point.
[0009] At least one aspect of the technical solutions is directed to a method. The method
includes detecting, by one or more processors of a wireless communication device,
a wireless network of an access point (AP) configured to support wireless communication
according to a plurality of configurations. The method further includes identifying,
by the one or more processors, based at least on a plurality of weights for a plurality
of modes for geolocation determination, a mode of the plurality of modes corresponding
to a weight of the plurality of weights and determining, by the one or more processors,
a geolocation of the AP using the mode and the weight. The method further includes
selecting, by the one or more processors, based at least on the geolocation of the
AP, a configuration of the plurality of configurations to use for wireless communication
with the AP.
[0010] The method can include detecting, by the one or more processors, a signal of the
wireless network of the AP that includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) device
or a cellular network device; and selecting, by the one or more processors, from the
plurality of modes, one or more modes responsive to the detection of the signal. The
plurality of modes can include at least two of: a mode for geolocation determination
using a navigation satellite system, a mode for geolocation determination using a
code received from a cellular network, a mode for geolocation determination using
a WLAN positioning system, a mode for geolocation determination using an internet
protocol (IP) address of the wireless communication device and a mode for geolocation
determination using a Bluetooth signal.
[0011] The method can include determining, by the one or more processors, one or more weights
of the plurality of weights using at least one of: a strength of a signal of at least
one of navigation satellite system or a cellular network, an error rate of the signal
of at least one of the navigation satellite system or the cellular network, or access
to a WLAN positioning system or an internet protocol (IP) address. The method can
include identifying, by the one or more processors, based on the plurality of weights,
a second mode of the plurality of modes corresponding to a second weight of the plurality
of weights; and determining, by the one or more processors, the geolocation of the
AP using the second mode and the second weight.
[0012] The method can include selecting, by the one or more processors, based at least on
the geolocation of the AP, for the configuration, a communication band of a plurality
of communication bands; and configuring, by the one or more processors, the wireless
communication device according to the configuration to use the communication band
for wireless communication between the wireless communication device and the AP. The
method can include selecting, by the one or more processors, based at least on the
geolocation of the AP, for the configuration, a channel of a plurality of channels
of a communication band; and configuring, by the one or more processors, the wireless
communication device according to the configuration to use the channel for wireless
communication between the wireless communication device and the AP.
[0013] The method can include selecting, by the one or more processors, based at least on
the geolocation of the AP, for the configuration, a power level from a plurality of
power levels for transmission of wireless communications; and configuring, by the
one or more processors, the wireless communication device according to the configuration
to transmit communications of the wireless communication device to the AP at the power
level. The wireless communication device may be one of: a smart glasses device, a
head wearable device, a smartphone device, a mobile hotspot device, or a wireless
access point.
[0014] At least an aspect of the technical solutions is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable
media having processor readable instructions, such that, when executed, cause a processor
to detect a wireless network of an access point (AP) configured to support wireless
communication according to a plurality of configurations; identify, based at least
on a plurality of weights for a plurality of modes for geolocation determination,
a mode of the plurality of modes corresponding to a weight of the plurality of weights;
determine a geolocation of the AP using the mode and the weight; and select, based
at least on the geolocation of the AP, a configuration of the plurality of configurations
to use for wireless communication with the AP.
[0015] The computer readable instruction can be such that, when executed, cause the processor
to detect a signal of the wireless network of the AP that includes a Wireless Fidelity
(Wi-Fi) device. The computer readable instruction can be such that, when executed,
cause the processor to select, from the plurality of modes, one or more modes responsive
to the detection of the signal. The plurality of modes can include at least two of:
a mode for geolocation determination using a navigation satellite system, a mode for
geolocation determination using a code received from a cellular network, a mode for
geolocation determination using a WLAN positioning system, a mode for geolocation
determination using an internet protocol (IP) address of the wireless communication
device and a mode for geolocation determination using a Bluetooth signal.
[0016] It will be appreciated that any features described herein as being suitable for incorporation
into one or more aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to
be generalizable across any and all aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.
Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by those skilled in the
art in light of the description, the claims, and the drawings of the present disclosure.
The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers
and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity,
not every component can be labeled in every drawing.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example wireless communication system, according to an example
implementation of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a console and a head wearable display for presenting augmented
reality or virtual reality, according to an example implementation of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a head wearable display, according to an example implementation
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing environment according to an example implementation
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example system for selecting and applying configurations
for wireless communications of a UE device based on the region in which the UE is
located.
FIG 6 illustrates an example of a UE device with a geolocation function for determining
location identifiers using various types of geolocation modes.
FIG. 7, illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for updating configuration
of a UE device based on a fetched location of the UE device is illustrated.
FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for selecting and applying
configurations for wireless communications of a UE based on the region in which the
UE device is located.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain embodiments in detail, it
should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or
methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should
also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description
only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0019] These technical solutions are directed to selecting and using wireless communication
configurations, such as wireless band, channel or power settings, based on the area
or location of the UE or locations of devices in the vicinity (e.g., within the WLAN
range) of the UE device. Regulations tied to regions in which the UE devices are deployed
can restrict the availability of some of the wireless configurations, such as WLAN
configurations for use with WLAN access points (e.g., Wi-Fi routers), making the configuration
selection process more challenging. For instance, regional wireless communication
configuration regulations can make it challenging for UE devices to identify and use
the most appropriate configurations for a particular circumstance. While manufacturers
of UE devices may opt to limit the wireless communication configurations to only those
that are universally applicable across all of the regions, this approach restricts
the range of available configurations in situations in which UE devices may utilize
more suitable options.
[0020] To address these challenges, the present technical solutions provide a functionality
that allows the UE devices to establish wireless communication configurations based
on the location (e.g., region or country) of the UE device, which can be determined
using various location detection modes or techniques. The technical solutions can
utilize weights for different modes of location detection to improve the location
detection accuracy and reliability, allowing the UE device to more reliably select,
from a broadest available selection of configurations, a configuration that is most
desirable or suitable for the UE device to use. Using these solutions, UE devices
can take action to dynamically adapt their wireless communication configurations based
on a variety of regionally regulated wireless networks, such as WLAN or cellular networks,
in order to increase their communication quality, reliability and performance, based
on the location of the UE device.
[0021] The technical solutions can be directed to dynamic reconfiguration or adjustment
of WLAN bands or channels used for WLAN communication. For instance, cellular network
and Wi-Fi-configured communication devices, such as smart glasses, smartphones and
AR/VR products, can face challenges with respect to the utilization of wireless communication
bands, such as Wi-Fi bands that can vary based on the region or the country in which
the device operates. For example, the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure
(UNII) can include various frequency bands allocated for unlicensed use, with UNII-1
being one such band. In some regions, UNII-1 can be restricted for outdoor access
point (AP) device usage. For instance, various performance factors, such as Wi-Fi
transmit power, can be subject to country-specific regulations. When devices lack
the capability to ascertain the country in which they are being used, such devices
can operate using minimal performance indicators, based on the common list of unregulated
configurations, rather than optimal ones that may be more desirable to use.
[0022] To address these issues, present technical solutions allow for a location or region
determination, such as a country code retrieval, that can affect different settings
of LTE devices concerning band usage, power allocation, and other parameters or criteria.
The technical solutions can identify UE equipment locations using various location
detecting mechanism. These mechanisms can include, for instance, constellation devices
such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Mobile Country Codes (MCC), Wi-Fi
Positioning Systems (WPS), and Internet Protocol (IP), which can be utilized individually,
or in combination. The technical solutions can include gathering location-indicative
information from a UE device itself or from device(s) connected to the UE device,
thereby allowing for improved accuracy and reliability in determining the UE device's
location.
[0023] The present solutions introduce a location fetching/determination technique for obtaining
geographical data using one or more inputs from various sources that can have assigned
weights or priorities. When a plurality of inputs is used, each input can be assigned
a weight or priority based on the significance of the information they convey. The
decision-making process can include applying weights to signals of one or more location
detecting modes, such as that of the global positioning system (GPS) data, Mobile
Country Code (MCC), IP address, and Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) information. Weights
can correspond to the signal strength or validity and can be adjustable and denoted
as [w1, w2, w3, w4]. These weights can be binary or fractional and may be adjusted
dynamically, informed by the quality of data acquired through wireless communication
and statistical analysis. Using this information, certain regionally controlled Wi-Fi
bands, power allocations or other features can be unlocked and then used by the device,
responsive to the device being within a particular geographical location.
[0024] For instance, in cases where GPS signals exhibit increased validity or strength,
the weight assigned to GPS data (w1) could be set to 1, rendering other inputs inconsequential
and thereby using only the GPS signal as the only mode for location detection. Alternatively,
when GPS data displays moderate signal strength (e.g., having some a margin of error
greater than a threshold) and MCC data also has a moderate strength signal, a balanced
50%/50% weight distribution can be designated for these two location detection modes
to determine the country code. This decision-making process may not be restricted
to one-time inputs and can include machine learning functions (e.g., models) to improve
accuracy and effectiveness across multiple inputs over time. When utilizing Global
Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), systems such as the GPS, Global Navigation Satellite
System (GLONASS), Beidou Navigation Satellite System (Beidou) and others can be utilized
if available and operational. MCC, accompanied by a Mobile Network Code (MNC), can
be acquired through an on-device cellular receiver from a carrier, where the country
code can be determined based on the initial digits of the phone number.
[0025] For example, a regional or country information can be obtained from WPS by scanning
adjacent APs for Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), Media Access Control (MAC) addresses,
Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI), etc., following/using protocols such as
those defined in IEEE 802.11d or 802.11az. These protocols can involve either proprietary
or standardized methods such as 802.11az, utilizing RSSI/fingerprinting or Time of
Flight (TOF) techniques from nearby APs with unique SSIDs. For instance, cross-referencing
SSIDs with a database can assist in identifying a device's location, when there are
recognizable APs (e.g., base stations, WLAN APs, transmission-reception points (TRPs))
nearby. Simplified procedures for obtaining regional or country codes, such as through
fingerprinting services of APs, can suffice without employing full location determining
(e.g., locationing) protocols. Bluetooth networks can serve a similar geo-location
purpose, depending on regulatory approval.
[0026] Geo-location data can be acquired through various means: Internet access via smartphone,
AP, or watch using WAN IP for IP-based geo-location. When a UE device connects to
another device, such as a watch/band via other bands (e.g., 2.4GHz or 6GHz), the watch/band
can utilize mobile MCC code or internet access to obtain and relay the IP-based country
code. Similarly, when connected to an AP with internet access, the AP can pass to
the UE device its IP-based country code. Initial connections to AP may occur through
alternative bands like 2.4GHz to confirm country code before software AP operation
in WLAN bands, such as UNII 1 & 2 bands. Wi-Fi chipset from vendors may dynamically
update device geo-location, such as via its connected AP, with QCN7851 capability
being an option. When connecting through other bands to a smartphone, the smartphone
can utilize mobile MCC code, smartphone GPS, or internet access for IP-based country
code. A manual approach can be utilized in which a user is prompted for location input,
such as in instances in which no other solution is available.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication
system 100 may include a base station 110 (also referred to as "a wireless communication
node 110", "a BS 110", or "a station 110") and one or more user equipment (UEs) 120
(also referred to as "wireless communication devices 120" or "terminal devices 120").
The base station 110 and the UEs 120 may communicate through wireless commination
links 130A, 130B, 130C. The base station 110 can be any base station, such as a cellular
network base station or a wireless local area network (WLAN) base station (e.g., Wi-Fi
access point). The wireless communication link 130 may be a cellular communication
link conforming to 3G, 4G, 5G or other cellular communication protocols or a Wi-Fi
communication protocol. In one example, the wireless communication link 130 supports,
employs or is based on an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). In
one aspect, the UEs 120 are located within a geographical boundary with respect to
the base station 110 and may communicate with or through the base station 110. In
some embodiments, the wireless communication system 100 includes more, fewer, or different
components than shown in FIG. 1. For example, the wireless communication system 100
may include one or more additional base stations 110 than shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] Base station 110 can include any WLAN access point (AP) facilitating wireless connectivity
between UE devices and the network infrastructure. Such a base station 110 (e.g.,
AP) can serve as a bridge for internet access or device-to-device communication. AP
can extend network coverage to specific areas, allowing wireless transmission and
reception. AP can operate independently or as part of a managed network. Base station
110 functioning can include, for example, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) router, an enterprise
access point, an outdoor access point, a mesh Wi-Fi system, a Hotspot access point,
a wireless bridge access point or any other type and form of an AP.
[0029] Base station 110 can include any base station of a cellular network, facilitating
wireless communication between mobile devices and the cellular network. Base station
110 can transmit and receive cellular signals within a designated coverage area, which
can be referred to as a cell. Base stations for cellular networks can facilitate mobile
services, such as voice calls, text messaging, and data connectivity. Interconnected
with the cellular core network, base stations 110 can facilitate a seamless communication
and continuous coverage across locations.
[0030] In some embodiments, the UE 120 may be a user device such as a mobile phone, a smart
phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop computer, wearable computing
device, etc. Each UE 120 may communicate with the base station 110 through a corresponding
communication link 130. For example, the UE 120 may transmit data to a base station
110 through a wireless communication link 130 and receive data from the base station
110 through the wireless communication link 130. Example data may include audio data,
image data, text, etc. Communication or transmission of data by the UE 120 to the
base station 110 may be referred to as an uplink communication. Communication or reception
of data by the UE 120 from the base station 110 may be referred to as a downlink communication.
In some embodiments, the UE 120A includes a wireless interface 122, a processor 124,
a memory device 126, and one or more antennas 128. These components may be embodied
as hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
UE 120A includes more, fewer, or different components than shown in FIG. 1. For example,
the UE 120 may include an electronic display and/or an input device. For example,
the UE 120 may include additional antennas 128 and wireless interfaces 122 than shown
in FIG. 1.
[0031] The antenna 128 may be a component that receives a radio frequency (RF) signal and/or
transmit a RF signal through a wireless medium. The RF signal may be at a frequency
between 200 MHz to 100 GHz. The RF signal may have packets, symbols, or frames corresponding
to data for communication. The antenna 128 may be a dipole antenna, a patch antenna,
a ring antenna, or any suitable antenna for wireless communication. In one aspect,
a single antenna 128 is utilized for both transmitting the RF signal and receiving
the RF signal. In one aspect, different antennas 128 are utilized for transmitting
the RF signal and receiving the RF signal. In one aspect, multiple antennas 128 are
utilized to support multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) communication.
[0032] The wireless interface 122 includes or is embodied as a transceiver for transmitting
and receiving RF signals through a wireless medium. The wireless interface 122 may
communicate with a wireless interface 112 of the base station 110 through a wireless
communication link 130A. In one configuration, the wireless interface 122 is coupled
to one or more antennas 128. In one aspect, the wireless interface 122 may receive
the RF signal at the RF frequency received through antenna 128, and downconvert the
RF signal to a baseband frequency (e.g., 0~1 GHz). The wireless interface 122 may
provide the downconverted signal to the processor 124. In one aspect, the wireless
interface 122 may receive a baseband signal for transmission at a baseband frequency
from the processor 124, and upconvert the baseband signal to generate a RF signal.
The wireless interface 122 may transmit the RF signal through the antenna 128.
[0033] The processor 124 is a component that processes data. The processor 124 may be embodied
as field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a logic circuit, etc. The processor 124 may obtain instructions from the memory device
126 and execute the instructions. In one aspect, the processor 124 may receive downconverted
data at the baseband frequency from the wireless interface 122 and decode or process
the downconverted data. For example, the processor 124 may generate audio data or
image data according to the downconverted data, and present an audio indicated by
the audio data and/or an image indicated by the image data to a user of the UE 120A.
In one aspect, the processor 124 may generate or obtain data for transmission at the
baseband frequency and encode or process the data. For example, the processor 124
may encode or process image data or audio data at the baseband frequency and provide
the encoded or processed data to the wireless interface 122 for transmission.
[0034] The memory device 126 is a component that stores data. The memory device 126 may
be embodied as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read only memory (ROM), erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any device
capable for storing data. The memory device 126 may be embodied as a non-transitory
computer readable medium storing instructions executable by the processor 124 to perform
various functions of the UE 120A disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the memory
device 126 and the processor 124 are integrated as a single component.
[0035] In some embodiments, each of the UEs 120B... 120N includes similar components of
the UE 120A to communicate with the base station 110. Thus, detailed description of
duplicated portion thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.
[0036] In some embodiments, the base station 110 may be an evolved node B (eNB), a serving
eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station. The base station 110 may be
communicatively coupled to another base station 110 or other communication devices
through a wireless communication link and/or a wired communication link. The base
station 110 may receive data (or a RF signal) in an uplink communication from a UE
120. Additionally or alternatively, the base station 110 may provide data to another
UE 120, another base station, or another communication device. Hence, the base station
110 allows communication among UEs 120 associated with the base station 110, or other
UEs associated with different base stations. In some embodiments, the base station
110 includes a wireless interface 112, a processor 114, a memory device 116, and one
or more antennas 118. These components may be embodied as hardware, software, firmware,
or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the base station 110 includes more,
fewer, or different components than shown in FIG. 1. For example, the base station
110 may include an electronic display and/or an input device. For example, the base
station 110 may include additional antennas 118 and wireless interfaces 112 than shown
in FIG. 1.
[0037] The antenna 118 may be a component that receives a radio frequency (RF) signal and/or
transmit a RF signal through a wireless medium. The antenna 118 may be a dipole antenna,
a patch antenna, a ring antenna, or any suitable antenna for wireless communication.
In one aspect, a single antenna 118 is utilized for both transmitting the RF signal
and receiving the RF signal. In one aspect, different antennas 118 are utilized for
transmitting the RF signal and receiving the RF signal. In one aspect, multiple antennas
118 are utilized to support multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) communication.
[0038] The wireless interface 112 includes or is embodied as a transceiver for transmitting
and receiving RF signals through a wireless medium. The wireless interface 112 may
communicate with a wireless interface 122 of the UE 120 through a wireless communication
link 130. In one configuration, the wireless interface 112 is coupled to one or more
antennas 118. In one aspect, the wireless interface 112 may receive the RF signal
at the RF frequency received through antenna 118, and downconvert the RF signal to
a baseband frequency (e.g., 0~1 GHz). The wireless interface 112 may provide the downconverted
signal to the processor 124. In one aspect, the wireless interface 122 may receive
a baseband signal for transmission at a baseband frequency from the processor 114,
and upconvert the baseband signal to generate a RF signal. The wireless interface
112 may transmit the RF signal through the antenna 118.
[0039] The processor 114 is a component that processes data. The processor 114 may be embodied
as FPGA, ASIC, a logic circuit, etc. The processor 114 may obtain instructions from
the memory device 116 and executes the instructions. In one aspect, the processor
114 may receive downconverted data at the baseband frequency from the wireless interface
112 and decode or process the downconverted data. For example, the processor 114 may
generate audio data or image data according to the downconverted data. In one aspect,
the processor 114 may generate or obtain data for transmission at the baseband frequency
and encode or process the data. For example, the processor 114 may encode or process
image data or audio data at the baseband frequency and provide the encoded or processed
data to the wireless interface 112 for transmission. In one aspect, the processor
114 may set, assign, schedule, or allocate communication resources for different UEs
120. For example, the processor 114 may set different modulation schemes, time slots,
channels, frequency bands, etc. for UEs 120 to avoid interference. The processor 114
may generate data (or UL CGs) indicating configuration of communication resources
and provide the data (or UL CGs) to the wireless interface 112 for transmission to
the UEs 120.
[0040] The memory device 116 is a component that stores data. The memory device 116 may
be embodied as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, a hard disk, a removable
disk, a CD-ROM, or any device capable for storing data. The memory device 116 may
be embodied as a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable
by the processor 114 to perform various functions of the base station 110 disclosed
herein. In some embodiments, the memory device 116 and the processor 114 are integrated
as a single component.
[0041] In some embodiments, communication between the base station 110 and the UE 120 is
based on one or more layers of Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. The OSI model
may include layers including: a physical layer, a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer,
a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer,
a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, a Non Access Stratum (NAS) layer or an Internet
Protocol (IP) layer, and other layer.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example artificial reality system environment 200.
In some embodiments, the artificial reality system environment 200 includes a HWD
250 worn by a user, and a console 210 providing content of artificial reality (e.g.,
augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality) to the HWD 250. Each of the HWD
250 and the console 210 may be a separate UE 120. The HWD 250 may be referred to as,
include, or be part of a head mounted display (HMD), head mounted device (HMD), head
wearable device (HWD), head worn display (HWD) or head worn device (HWD). The HWD
250 may detect its location and/or orientation of the HWD 250 as well as a shape,
location, and/or an orientation of the body/hand/face of the user and provide the
detected location/or orientation of the HWD 250 and/or tracking information indicating
the shape, location, and/or orientation of the body/hand/face to the console 210.
The console 210 may generate image data indicating an image of the artificial reality
according to the detected location and/or orientation of the HWD 250, the detected
shape, location and/or orientation of the body/hand/face of the user, and/or a user
input for the artificial reality and transmit the image data to the HWD 250 for presentation.
In some embodiments, the artificial reality system environment 200 includes more,
fewer, or different components than shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, functionality
of one or more components of the artificial reality system environment 200 can be
distributed among the components in a different manner than is described here. For
example, some of the functionality of the console 210 may be performed by the HWD
250. For example, some of the functionality of the HWD 250 may be performed by the
console 210. In some embodiments, the console 210 is integrated as part of the HWD
250.
[0043] In some embodiments, the HWD 250 is an electronic component that can be worn by a
user and can present or provide an artificial reality experience to the user. The
HWD 250 may render one or more images, video, audio, or some combination thereof to
provide the artificial reality experience to the user. In some embodiments, audio
is presented via an external device (e.g., speakers and/or headphones) that receives
audio information from the HWD 250, the console 210, or both, and presents audio based
on the audio information. In some embodiments, the HWD 250 includes sensors 255, a
wireless interface 265, a processor 270, an electronic display 275, a lens 280, and
a compensator 285. These components may operate together to detect a location of the
HWD 250 and a gaze direction of the user wearing the HWD 250 and render an image of
a view within the artificial reality corresponding to the detected location and/or
orientation of the HWD 250. In other embodiments, the HWD 250 includes more, fewer,
or different components than shown in FIG. 2.
[0044] In some embodiments, the sensors 255 include electronic components or a combination
of electronic components and software components that detect a location and an orientation
of the HWD 250. Examples of the sensors 255 can include: one or more imaging sensors,
one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, one or more magnetometers, or
another suitable type of sensor that detects motion and/or location. For example,
one or more accelerometers can measure translational movement (e.g., forward/back,
up/down, left/right) and one or more gyroscopes can measure rotational movement (e.g.,
pitch, yaw, roll). In some embodiments, the sensors 255 detect the translational movement
and the rotational movement and determine an orientation and location of the HWD 250.
In one aspect, the sensors 255 can detect the translational movement and the rotational
movement with respect to a previous orientation and location of the HWD 250 and determine
a new orientation and/or location of the HWD 250 by accumulating or integrating the
detected translational movement and/or the rotational movement. Assuming for an example
that the HWD 250 is oriented in a direction 25 degrees from a reference direction,
in response to detecting that the HWD 250 has rotated 20 degrees, the sensors 255
may determine that the HWD 250 now faces or is oriented in a direction 45 degrees
from the reference direction. Assuming for another example that the HWD 250 was located
two feet away from a reference point in a first direction, in response to detecting
that the HWD 250 has moved three feet in a second direction, the sensors 255 may determine
that the HWD 250 is now located at a vector multiplication of the two feet in the
first direction and the three feet in the second direction.
[0045] In some embodiments, the sensors 255 include eye trackers. The eye trackers may include
electronic components or a combination of electronic components and software components
that determine a gaze direction of the user of the HWD 250. In some embodiments, the
HWD 250, the console 210 or a combination of them may incorporate the gaze direction
of the user of the HWD 250 to generate image data for artificial reality. In some
embodiments, the eye trackers include two eye trackers, where each eye tracker captures
an image of a corresponding eye and determines a gaze direction of the eye. In one
example, the eye tracker determines an angular rotation of the eye, a translation
of the eye, a change in the torsion of the eye, and/or a change in shape of the eye,
according to the captured image of the eye, and determines the relative gaze direction
with respect to the HWD 250, according to the determined angular rotation, translation
and the change in the torsion of the eye. In one approach, the eye tracker may shine
or project a predetermined reference or structured pattern on a portion of the eye
and capture an image of the eye to analyze the pattern projected on the portion of
the eye to determine a relative gaze direction of the eye with respect to the HWD
250. In some embodiments, the eye trackers incorporate the orientation of the HWD
250 and the relative gaze direction with respect to the HWD 250 to determine a gate
direction of the user. Assuming for an example that the HWD 250 is oriented at a direction
30 degrees from a reference direction, and the relative gaze direction of the HWD
250 is -10 degrees (or 350 degrees) with respect to the HWD 250, the eye trackers
may determine that the gaze direction of the user is 20 degrees from the reference
direction. In some embodiments, a user of the HWD 250 can configure the HWD 250 (e.g.,
via user settings) to enable or disable the eye trackers. In some embodiments, a user
of the HWD 250 is prompted to enable or disable the eye trackers.
[0046] In some embodiments, the wireless interface 265 includes an electronic component
or a combination of an electronic component and a software component that communicates
with the console 210. The wireless interface 265 may be or correspond to the wireless
interface 122. The wireless interface 265 may communicate with a wireless interface
215 of the console 210 through a wireless communication link through the base station
110. Through the communication link, the wireless interface 265 may transmit to the
console 210 data indicating the determined location and/or orientation of the HWD
250, and/or the determined gaze direction of the user. Moreover, through the communication
link, the wireless interface 265 may receive from the console 210 image data indicating
or corresponding to an image to be rendered and additional data associated with the
image.
[0047] In some embodiments, the processor 270 includes an electronic component or a combination
of an electronic component and a software component that generates one or more images
for display, for example, according to a change in view of the space of the artificial
reality. In some embodiments, the processor 270 is implemented as a part of the processor
124 or is communicatively coupled to the processor 124. In some embodiments, the processor
270 is implemented as a processor (or a graphical processing unit (GPU)) that executes
instructions to perform various functions described herein. The processor 270 may
receive, through the wireless interface 265, image data describing an image of artificial
reality to be rendered and additional data associated with the image and render the
image to display through the electronic display 275. In some embodiments, the image
data from the console 210 may be encoded, and the processor 270 may decode the image
data to render the image. In some embodiments, the processor 270 receives from the
console 210 in additional data, object information indicating virtual objects in the
artificial reality space and depth information indicating depth (or distances from
the HWD 250) of the virtual objects. In one aspect, according to the image of the
artificial reality, object information, depth information from the console 210, and/or
updated sensor measurements from the sensors 255, the processor 270 may perform shading,
reprojection, and/or blending to update the image of the artificial reality to correspond
to the updated location and/or orientation of the HWD 250. Assuming that a user rotated
his head after the initial sensor measurements, rather than recreating the entire
image responsive to the updated sensor measurements, the processor 270 may generate
a small portion (e.g., 10 %) of an image corresponding to an updated view within the
artificial reality according to the updated sensor measurements and append the portion
to the image in the image data from the console 210 through reprojection. The processor
270 may perform shading and/or blending on the appended edges. Hence, without recreating
the image of the artificial reality according to the updated sensor measurements,
the processor 270 can generate the image of the artificial reality.
[0048] In some embodiments, the electronic display 275 is an electronic component that displays
an image. The electronic display 275 may, for example, be a liquid crystal display
or an organic light emitting diode display. The electronic display 275 may be a transparent
display that allows the user to see through. In some embodiments, when the HWD 250
is worn by a user, the electronic display 275 is located proximate (e.g., less than
3 inches) to the user's eyes. In one aspect, the electronic display 275 emits or projects
light towards the user's eyes according to image generated by the processor 270.
[0049] In some embodiments, the lens 280 is a mechanical component that alters received
light from the electronic display 275. The lens 280 may magnify the light from the
electronic display 275 and correct for optical error associated with the light. The
lens 280 may be a Fresnel lens, a convex lens, a concave lens, a filter, or any suitable
optical component that alters the light from the electronic display 275. Through the
lens 280, light from the electronic display 275 can reach the pupils, such that the
user can see the image displayed by the electronic display 275, despite the close
proximity of the electronic display 275 to the eyes.
[0050] In some embodiments, the compensator 285 includes an electronic component or a combination
of an electronic component and a software component that performs compensation to
compensate for any distortions or aberrations. In one aspect, the lens 280 introduces
optical aberrations such as a chromatic aberration, a pin-cushion distortion, barrel
distortion, etc. The compensator 285 may determine a compensation (e.g., predistortion)
to apply to the image to be rendered from the processor 270 to compensate for the
distortions caused by the lens 280, and apply the determined compensation to the image
from the processor 270. The compensator 285 may provide the predistorted image to
the electronic display 275.
[0051] In some embodiments, the console 210 is an electronic component or a combination
of an electronic component and a software component that provides content to be rendered
to the HWD 250. In one aspect, the console 210 includes a wireless interface 215 and
a processor 230. These components may operate together to determine a view (e.g.,
a FOV of the user) of the artificial reality corresponding to the location of the
HWD 250 and the gaze direction of the user of the HWD 250 and can generate image data
indicating an image of the artificial reality corresponding to the determined view.
In addition, these components may operate together to generate additional data associated
with the image. Additional data may be information associated with presenting or rendering
the artificial reality other than the image of the artificial reality. Examples of
additional data include, hand model data, mapping information for translating a location
and an orientation of the HWD 250 in a physical space into a virtual space (or simultaneous
localization and mapping (SLAM) data), eye tracking data, motion vector information,
depth information, edge information, object information, etc. The console 210 may
provide the image data and the additional data to the HWD 250 for presentation of
the artificial reality. In other embodiments, the console 210 includes more, fewer,
or different components than shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the console 210
is integrated as part of the HWD 250.
[0052] In some embodiments, the wireless interface 215 is an electronic component or a combination
of an electronic component and a software component that communicates with the HWD
250. The wireless interface 215 may be or correspond to the wireless interface 122.
The wireless interface 215 may be a counterpart component to the wireless interface
265 to communicate through a communication link (e.g., wireless communication link).
Through the communication link, the wireless interface 215 may receive from the HWD
250 data indicating the determined location and/or orientation of the HWD 250, and/or
the determined gaze direction of the user. Moreover, through the communication link,
the wireless interface 215 may transmit to the HWD 250 image data describing an image
to be rendered and additional data associated with the image of the artificial reality.
[0053] The processor 230 can include or correspond to a component that generates content
to be rendered according to the location and/or orientation of the HWD 250. In some
embodiments, the processor 230 is implemented as a part of the processor 124 or is
communicatively coupled to the processor 124. In some embodiments, the processor 230
may incorporate the gaze direction of the user of the HWD 250. In one aspect, the
processor 230 determines a view of the artificial reality according to the location
and/or orientation of the HWD 250. For example, the processor 230 maps the location
of the HWD 250 in a physical space to a location within an artificial reality space
and determines a view of the artificial reality space along a direction corresponding
to the mapped orientation from the mapped location in the artificial reality space.
The processor 230 may generate image data describing an image of the determined view
of the artificial reality space and transmit the image data to the HWD 250 through
the wireless interface 215. In some embodiments, the processor 230 may generate additional
data including motion vector information, depth information, edge information, object
information, hand model data, etc., associated with the image, and transmit the additional
data together with the image data to the HWD 250 through the wireless interface 215.
The processor 230 may encode the image data describing the image and can transmit
the encoded data to the HWD 250. In some embodiments, the processor 230 generates
and provides the image data to the HWD 250 periodically (e.g., every 11 ms).
[0054] In one aspect, the process of detecting the location of the HWD 250 and the gaze
direction of the user wearing the HWD 250 and rendering the image to the user should
be performed within a frame time (e.g., 11 ms or 16 ms). A latency between a movement
of the user wearing the HWD 250 and an image displayed corresponding to the user movement
can cause judder, which may result in motion sickness and can degrade the user experience.
In one aspect, the HWD 250 and the console 210 can prioritize communication for AR/VR,
such that the latency between the movement of the user wearing the HWD 250 and the
image displayed corresponding to the user movement can be presented within the frame
time (e.g., 11 ms or 16 ms) to provide a seamless experience.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a HWD 250, in accordance with an example embodiment. In some
embodiments, the HWD 250 includes a front rigid body 305 and a band 310. The front
rigid body 305 includes the electronic display 275 (not shown in FIG. 3), the lens
280 (not shown in FIG. 3), the sensors 255, the wireless interface 265, and the processor
270. In the embodiment shown by FIG. 3, the wireless interface 265, the processor
270, and the sensors 255 are located within the front rigid body 205 and may not be
visible externally. In other embodiments, the HWD 250 has a different configuration
than shown in FIG. 3. For example, the wireless interface 265, the processor 270,
and/or the sensors 255 may be in different locations than shown in FIG. 3.
[0056] Various operations described herein can be implemented on computer systems. FIG.
4 shows a block diagram of a representative computing system 414 usable to implement
the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the BS 110, the UE 120, the console 210,
the HWD 250, which can include UE 120, can each be implemented by the computing system
414. Computing system 414 can be implemented, for example, as a consumer device such
as a smartphone, other mobile phone, tablet computer, wearable computing device (e.g.,
smart watch, eyeglasses, head wearable display), desktop computer, laptop computer,
or implemented with distributed computing devices. The computing system 414 can be
implemented to provide VR, AR, MR experience. In some embodiments, the computing system
414 can include conventional computer components such as processors 416, storage device
418, network interface 420, user input device 422, and user output device 424.
[0057] Network interface 420 can provide a connection to a wide area network (e.g., the
Internet) to which WAN interface of a remote server system is also connected. Network
interface 420 can include a wired interface (e.g., Ethernet) and/or a wireless interface
implementing various RF data communication standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or
cellular data network standards (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, 60 GHz, LTE, etc.).
[0058] The network interface 420 may include a transceiver to allow the computing system
414 to transmit and receive data from a remote device using a transmitter and receiver.
The transceiver may be configured to support transmission/reception supporting industry
standards that enables bi-directional communication. An antenna may be attached to
transceiver housing and electrically coupled to the transceiver. Additionally or alternatively,
a multi-antenna array may be electrically coupled to the transceiver such that a plurality
of beams pointing in distinct directions may facilitate in transmitting and/or receiving
data.
[0059] A transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit frames, slots, or symbols
generated by the processor unit 416. Similarly, a receiver may be configured to receive
frames, slots or symbols and the processor unit 416 may be configured to process the
frames. For example, the processor unit 416 can be configured to determine a type
of frame and to process the frame and/or fields of the frame accordingly.
[0060] User input device 422 can include any device (or devices) via which a user can provide
signals to computing system 414; computing system 414 can interpret the signals as
indicative of particular user requests or information. User input device 422 can include
any or all of a keyboard, touch pad, touch screen, mouse or other pointing device,
scroll wheel, click wheel, dial, button, switch, keypad, microphone, sensors (e.g.,
a motion sensor, an eye tracking sensor, etc.), and so on.
[0061] User output device 424 can include any device via which computing system 414 can
provide information to a user. For example, user output device 424 can include a display
screen to display images generated by or delivered to computing system 414. The display
can incorporate various image generation technologies, e.g., a liquid crystal display
(LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) including organic light-emitting diodes (OLED),
projection system, cathode ray tube (CRT), or the like, together with supporting electronics
(e.g., digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converters, signal processors, or the
like). A device such as a touchscreen that function as both input and output device
can be used. Output devices 424 can be provided in addition to or instead of a display.
Examples include indicator lights, speakers, tactile "display" devices, printers,
and so on.
[0062] Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage
and memory that store computer program instructions in a computer readable storage
medium (e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium). Many of the features described
in this specification can be implemented as processes that are specified as a set
of program instructions encoded on a computer readable storage medium. When these
program instructions are executed by one or more processors, they cause the processors
to perform various operation indicated in the program instructions. Examples of program
instructions or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler,
and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic
component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter. Through suitable programming,
processor 416 can provide various functionality for computing system 414, including
any of the functionality described herein as being performed by a server or client,
or other functionality associated with message management services.
[0063] It will be appreciated that computing system 414 is illustrative and that variations
and modifications are possible. Computer systems used in connection with the present
disclosure can have other capabilities not specifically described here. Further, while
computing system 414 is described with reference to particular blocks, it is to be
understood that these blocks are defined for convenience of description and are not
intended to imply a particular physical arrangement of component parts. For instance,
different blocks can be located in the same facility, in the same server rack, or
on the same motherboard. Further, the blocks need not correspond to physically distinct
components. Blocks can be configured to perform various operations, e.g., by programming
a processor or providing appropriate control circuitry, and various blocks might or
might not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained.
Implementations of the present disclosure can be realized in a variety of apparatus
including electronic devices implemented using any combination of circuitry and software.
[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates an example system 500 for selecting and applying configurations
for wireless communications of a UE 120 based on the region in which the UE 120 is
located. Example system 500 can include a UE 120A communicating, via wireless links
130, to several network base stations or access points, such as base station (BS)
110B for a cellular wireless network and a BS 110C for a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi access
point). UE 120A can also wirelessly communicate, via wireless link 130, with a UE
120D. UEs 120, such as UE 120A, can include one or more wireless interfaces 122 communicatively
coupled with one or more antennas 128 for wireless communication via the wireless
links 130. UE 120, such as UE 120A, can include one or more computing systems 414,
geolocation functions 505 and UE configuration managers 530. Each geolocation function
525 can include one or more geolocation modes 510 that can have and apply weights
515 for prioritization of the location determinations by different geolocation modes
510. Geolocation functions 525 can include one or more location identifiers 520 (e.g.,
location identifiers 520A-D) which the UE 120A can individually generate (e.g., 520A)
or receive from other wireless communication nodes (e.g., BSs 110B, 110C and UE 120D).
Configuration manager 530 can include one or more configurations 535 and resources
540 which the configuration manager 530 can utilize to connect to the BSs 110 (e.g.,
BS 110B or BS 110C) that can be configured as their respective wireless network's
access points.
[0065] BSs 110, such as BS 110B and BS 110C, can include any base stations configured to
support and communicate via any wireless network. Wireless networks supported or provided
by BSs 110 can include any wireless networks, including a WLAN such as a Wi-Fi network
of BS 110C, a cellular network such as that of BS 110B, or a Bluetooth or any other
wireless communication that can be used to connect, for example, with other UEs 120,
such as UE 120D. BS 110C can include one or more wireless interfaces 122 communicatively
coupled with one or more antennas 118 for wireless communications via wireless links
of the BS 110C. BS 110C can include one or more network configuration managers (NCMs)
550 that can include one or more configurations 535C for configuring wireless network
communications using resources 540. NCM 550 can include a location identifier 520C
indicative of the geolocation (e.g., region) of the BS 110C, which the BS 110C can
share with the UE 120A upon a request from the UE 120.
[0066] BS 110B can be configured as an access point for a cellular network to which the
UEs 120 can connect. BS 110B can include one or more wireless interfaces 122 communicatively
coupled with one or more antennas 118 for wireless communications via wireless links
130. BS 110B can include one or more location identifiers 520B indicative of the geolocation
(e.g., region) of the BS 110B, which the BS 110B can share with the UE 120A upon a
request.
[0067] UEs 120, such as UE 120A and UE 120D, can include any computing devices supporting
or configured to utilize wireless communication via any wireless communication network.
UEs 120 can include, for example, AR or VR devices, smartphones, or wearable devices,
such as a smart watch that can be communicatively coupled with a smartphone. UEs 120
can include one or more wireless interfaces 122 that can be communicatively coupled
with one or more antennas 128. UEs 120, such as UE 120A and UE 120D, can be in wireless
communication via wireless links 130. As with UE 120A, UE 120D can include a computing
system 414. UE 120D can include a location identifier 520D indicative of the location
(e.g., region) of the UE 120D.
[0068] Geolocation function 505 can include any combination of hardware and software for
determining the location of LTE 120 using information or data from nearby devices
or wireless networks. Geolocation function 505 can utilize any combination of one
or more geolocation modes 510 to determine the location (e.g., region, country, state,
city or address) of a UE 120. Geolocation function 505 can utilize, for example, Global
Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) systems, Mobile Country Code (MCC) from cellular
networks, Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS)-based methods from Wi-Fi APs, or IP-based
techniques from same or different UEs 120 to pinpoint the geographical position of
the UE device. For instance, geolocation function 505 can determine region of a UE
120 using any combination of a GNSS leverages satellite signals, MCC utilizing cellular
network information, WPS-based methods involving nearby WLAN networks of Wi-Fi access
points, and IP-based techniques of LTE or other devices. Geolocation function 505
can utilize weights 515 assigning priority or level of influence of some of the modes
510 over others in determining the geolocation of the UE 120.
[0069] Geolocation modes 510 can include any modes of determining geolocations of the UE
120. Geolocation modes 510 can include combination of hardware and software elements
to allow the UE 120 to communicate with various systems, devices or networks to determine
the UE 120's geolocation (e.g., region, area or a country). Geolocation mode 510 can
include various geolocation methodologies, including for example Global Navigation
Satellite Systems (GNSS), Mobile Country Code (MCC), Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS)
and IP-based techniques.
[0070] For instance, a geolocation mode 510 can include GNSS mode, having the functionality
that utilizes signals from satellites to determine precise geographic coordinates
of the UE 120. GNSS can provide data by triangulating signals from multiple satellites.
Responsive to a signal or a message, GNSS can determine the UE 120's latitude, longitude,
and altitude. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) can be used as the GNSS
system to provide an accurate location information about the location of the UE 120.
[0071] For instance, a geolocation mode 510 can include a MCC mode that can use a cellular
network communication or data to approximate the location of the UE 120, such as using
a country code or an area code. For example, each country on the cellular networks
can be assigned a unique MCC, allowing the network to infer the device's location
(e.g., country or region) based on the MCC transmitted by the device. For instance,
if a device connects to a cellular network and transmits an MCC corresponding to a
specific country, the network can determine the device's approximate location within
that country.
[0072] For instance, a geolocation mode 510 can include a WPS mode that can use communication
or information of a nearby Wi-Fi access points to triangulate the device's position.
For example, by measuring the signal strength and timing of signals from multiple
APs, or a regional or country information, a WPS mode can estimate the UE 120's location.
For example, if a device scans for nearby Wi-Fi networks and detects a signal from
a known access point with a known location, the WPD mode can determine the region
(e.g., country, state or area) of the UE 120.
[0073] For instance, a geolocation mode 510 can include an IP-based mechanism of a wireless
device (e.g., UE 120 or BS 110) in which device's internet Protocol (IP) address is
used to infer the location or region of the UE 120. For example, by mapping IP addresses
to geographic locations, IP-based geolocation mode can determine the approximate physical
location of the device (e.g., country, region, state, city). For instance, if a device
connects to the internet and is assigned an IP address associated with a specific
geographic region, IP-based geolocation can estimate the device's location based on
the registered location of the IP address.
[0074] Weights 515 can include any values assigned to different data sources or modes of
geolocation to indicate their relative importance or influence in achieving a final
determination of the location for the UE 120. Weights 515 can include numbers or values
that indicate the level of priority or a parameter of increased or decreased value
with respect to other parameters. Weight 515 can be used to prioritize the contribution
of each data source or mode 510, such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS),
Mobile Country Code (MCC), Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS), or IP-based techniques,
based on factors, such as accuracy, reliability, and availability of their respective
signals. By adjusting the weights 515 assigned to each mode 510, geolocation function
505 can combine the data from multiple geolocation modes 510 to produce a more accurate
and reliable location estimates for the UE 120. For instance, geolocation function
505 can determine a geolocation (e.g., region or state) of a UE 120 based on GNSS
signal and MCC data, each of which can be equally weighted, while other geolocation
modes 510 can be not considered. For instance, WPS mode 510 can be weighted 80%, while
MCC can be weighted 20%. Any weights 515 can be applied to any modes 510, depending
on circumstances, signal strength or reliability or other factors.
[0075] Location identifier 520 can include any data or information indicative of a location
or a region in which UE 120 is located. Location identifier 520 can include an indicator
of a country, a state, a region within a country or a state, a city, an address, or
a coordinate location (e.g., GPS coordinate). Location identifiers 520 can be determined
by various UE 120, including UE 120A and UE 120D, as well as base stations, including
BS 110C (e.g., Wi-Fi AP), BS 110B (e.g., cellular network BS) or any other network
node. Location identifiers 520 can be provided via communications of UE 120A with
other devices. Location identifiers 520 can be determined using various geolocation
modes 510 and can be prioritized (e.g., weighed using weights 515), based on signal
quality or strength. For instance, in cellular networks, the UE 120 can measure the
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from nearby BS 110B, identify neighboring
cells, and obtain Cell Global Identity (CGI) or Cell ID information. For example,
in Wi-Fi networks, the UE 120 can scan for nearby BS 110 that are Wi-Fi APs, measure
their signal strengths, and retrieve their unique identifiers such as BSSIDs (Basic
Service Set Identifiers). For instance, UEs can exchange location-related information
directly with other nearby UEs (e.g., exchange between UE 120A and UE 120D), such
as through peer-to-peer communication or proximity detection techniques.
[0076] UE configuration manager 530 can include any combination of hardware and software
of a UE 120 for facilitating or managing wireless communication configurations with
a BS 110. UE configuration manager 530 can use location identifiers 520 to establish
or facilitate most desirable or most suitable WLAN configurations 535 with BSs 110,
such as BSs 110 including WLAN APs (e.g., Wi-Fi routers). By utilizing location identifiers
520 obtained from nearby network nodes, including BSs 110 of cellular or Wi-Fi networks
or signals from other UEs 120, the UE configuration manager 530 can determine or identify
the UE 120's geographical location or position (e.g., country, region, state, city,
address or geographical location).
[0077] UE configuration manager 530 can use the data related to the location identifiers
520, such as the strength or reliability of the signal used to determine the presence
of the neighboring wireless devices or APs (e.g., BSs 110) to use and connect with.
UE configuration manager 530 can issue requests, signals or messages to such identified
wireless devices to seek location identifiers 520 to use for identifying available
configurations 535. For instance, UE configuration manager 530 can include the functionality
to identify resources 540 of the UE 120 and can determine desired or most suitable
WLAN bands, channels, transmission power settings, security settings or other configurations
535 to use to connecting with a WLAN configured BS 110C. For instance, UE configuration
manager 530 can include the functionality to identify resources 540 of the UE 120
and determine desired or most suitable cellular bands, channels, transmission power
settings, security settings or other configurations 535 to use to connecting with
a cellular configured BS 110B.
[0078] UE configuration manager 530 can identify and select the most suitable configurations
535 from a group of available configurations 535. UE configuration manager 530 can
configure the UE 120 for connections with the BSs 110 using the given configurations.
UE configuration manager 530 can set up configuration parameters, such as channel
selection, transmit power levels, and network authentication settings. By dynamically
adapting configurations 535 based on real-time location or region identifying data,
the UE configuration manager 530 improves the wireless communication performance,
improved connectivity, and compliance with local regulations. UE configuration manager
530 can transmit, via wireless interface 122 and antenna 128, messages of recommended
configurations 535 to the NCM 550 to request the NCM 550 establish the communications
with the UE 120A according to the recommended configurations 535.
[0079] Configurations 535 can include any configurations or settings for establishing connections
or communication sessions between UE 120 and base stations 110, including Wi-Fi access
points, cellular network base stations or towers, Hotspot devices, Bluetooth devices,
or any other wireless network devices. Configurations 535 can include settings for
various communication parameters provided or facilitated in communication with access
points. Configurations 535 can include wireless communication band assignment, selections
or settings, channel assignment, selections, or settings, configurations or settings
for transmit power control, various wireless communication security settings, roaming
thresholds, Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, power-saving modes, and geolocation-based
adjustments. UEs 120 can participate in selecting optimal wireless communication bands
(e.g., frequency ranges) that can be customized or configured for particular WLAN
communications (e.g., via WLAN configured BSs 110, such as Wi-Fi APs) or cellular
communications (e.g., via cellular configured BSs 110). Configurations 535 can be
used for identifying appropriate wireless communication channels to minimize interference,
adjusting transmit power levels to optimize coverage, configuring security protocols
to ensure secure communication, setting roaming thresholds for seamless transitions
between APs, prioritizing traffic types to enhance network performance, enabling power-saving
modes to conserve energy, and adhering to regulatory standards based on local regulation.
[0080] Resources 540 can include any elements or features of a wireless network connection
that can be configured by a configuration 535. Resources 540 can include frequency
bands, channels, transmission power levels, and various other network parameters.
Resources 540 can include QoS parameters for routing or prioritizing network traffic,
security protocols or encryption settings, roaming thresholds or settings, power-saving
settings or modes or any other features or parameters for controlling wireless communication.
For instance, resources 540 can include frequency bands (e.g., WLAN or cellular bands),
such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for WLAN, providing the spectrum for wireless communication
and allowing for differentiation between different wireless traffic. Resources 540
can include communication channels within the bands allocate specific frequency ranges
for data transmission, allowing multiple devices to operate concurrently without interference.
Resources 540 can include transmission power levels determining the strength of signals
transmitted by WLAN devices, influencing coverage area and signal propagation. Resources
540 can include network parameters such as security settings, QoS configurations,
and roaming thresholds for setting up WLAN performance.
[0081] Network configuration manager (NCM) 550 can include any combination of hardware and
software for base stations 110 to configure or establish settings or parameters for
wireless communications with UEs 120. NCM 550 can configure various resources 540
on the BS 110 side, including frequency bands, channels, transmission power levels,
QoS settings or parameters, encryption or security settings, roaming settings or parameters,
or any other resource 540. NCM 550 can be configured to receive transmissions, signals
or messages from UE configuration manager 530 indicative of the configurations 535
which the UE configuration manager 530 recommends, prefers or requests to implement.
Responsive to the received communication from the UE configuration manager 530, the
NCM 550 can select the recommended settings and establish the wireless communications
based on the recommended configurations received from the UE configuration manager
530.
[0082] FIG 6 illustrates an example 600 of a UE 120 with a geolocation function 505 for
determining location identifiers 520 using various types of geolocation modes 510.
Geolocation function 505 can include: GNSS geolocation mode 510A whose location identifier
520 determinations can be adjusted according to weights 515A, a MCC geolocation mode
510B whose location identifier 520 determinations can be adjusted according to weights
515B, a WPS geolocation mode 510C whose location identifier 520 determinations can
be adjusted according to weights 515C, and an IP-based geolocation mode 510D whose
location identifier 520 determinations can be adjusted according to weights 515D.
[0083] GNSS geolocation mode 510A can include any combination of hardware and software for
communicating with a navigation system, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS),
to determine location identifier 520. GNSS geolocation mode 510A can exchange transmissions
with a GPS system or other geolocation systems to acquire geolocation data or coordinates
of the location of the UE 120. GNSS geolocation mode 510A determine the region or
country in which the UE 120 is being utilized based on the received data. Determination
of the location identifier 520 by the GNSS geolocation mode 510A can be modified,
adjusted or subject to weights 515A, which can include values (e.g., between 0 and
1) to scale according to the priority, importance or reliability of this mode, which
can be determined based on the reliability, availability or the strength of the GNSS
signal or communication.
[0084] MCC geolocation mode S 10B can include any combination of hardware and software for
communicating with a cellular network to receive a mobile country code (MCC) identifying
the country in which the UE 120 resides. MCC geolocation mode 510B can exchange transmissions
with a cellular network, or other networks that may have or use the MCC, to request
and receive the MCC. MCC geolocation mode 510B can be configured to communicate with
the cellular network or other networks to receive any other codes that can be indicative
of the location of the cellular network or area, such as an area code, and address
or any other location indicator. MCC geolocation mode 510B can determine the region
or country in which the UE 120 is being utilized based on the received data. Determination
of the location identifier 520 by the MCC geolocation mode 510B can be modified, adjusted
or subject to weights 515B, which can include values (e.g., between 0 and 1) to scale
according to the priority, importance or reliability of this mode, which can be determined
based on the reliability, availability or the strength of the cellular or other network
signal or communication.
[0085] WPS geolocation mode 510C can include any combination of hardware and software for
communicating with one or more WLAN networks (e.g., Wi-Fi devices) to determine a
location identifier 520. WPS geolocation mode 510C can exchange transmissions with
one or more BSs 110 configured as Wi-Fi access points to acquire data indicative of
the geolocation of the AP, such as the media access control (MAC) address or service
set identifier (SSID). MAC address and SSID data can be used to determine the region
or country in which the UE 120 is being utilized. Determination of the location identifier
520 by the WPS geolocation mode 510C can be modified, adjusted or subject to weights
515C, which can include values (e.g., between 0 and 1) to scale according to the priority,
importance or reliability of this mode, which can be determined based on the reliability,
availability or the strength of the WLAN signal or communication.
[0086] IP-based geolocation mode 510D can include any combination of hardware and software
for communicating with networks, such as cellular or WLAN networks, to determine internet
protocol (IP) address and IP-based geolocation data for determining location identifier
520. IP-based geolocation mode 510D can exchange transmissions with a one or more
networks to query a geolocation service for the location of the IP address, such as
the IP address of the device or the IP address of the network (e.g., Wi-Fi AP). IP-based
geolocation mode 510D can determine the region or country in which the UE 120 is being
utilized based on the received data. Determination of the location identifier 520
by the IP-based geolocation mode 510D can be modified, adjusted or subject to weights
515D, which can include values (e.g., between 0 and 1) to scale according to the priority,
importance or reliability of this mode, which can be determined based on the reliability,
availability or the strength of the signal or communication.
[0087] Turning now to FIG. 7, an example flow diagram of a method 700 for updating configuration
of a UE device based on a fetched location of the UE device is illustrated. The method
700 can be performed by a system having one or more processors configured to perform
operations of the system features and examples discussed in connection with FIGS.
1-6 by executing computer-readable instructions stored on a memory. The method can
be implemented using a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions
which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to
implement operations of the method 700. For instance, the method 700 can be implemented
one or more processors 112 or 416 of a computing system executing non-transitory computer-readable
instructions stored on a memory (e.g., the memory 116).
[0088] The method 700 can be used by a UE 120 to acquire a location identifier from other
network nodes. Method 700 can include operations 705-720. At operation 705, the method
can include a UE device to perform a device reset, power off and/or lose its location.
At operation 710, the method can include the UE disabling configurations with bands
that may be unavailable. At operation 715, the method can include the UE fetching
locations using geolocation modes. At operation 720, the method can utilize location-based
band configuration.
[0089] At operation 705, the method can include a UE device performing a device reset, powering
off and/or losing its location. For example, the UE device can implement a device
reset or power off and can lose the location for the LTE. For instance, the UE may
undergo a reset or power off sequence. When a user opens up a newly purchased UE or
turns off their UE and then later restarts it, the device can reset and be unaware
of its location at least initially upon the restart. For instance, if the device runs
out of battery and powers off, the device may undergo a reset when powered back on.
[0090] At operation 710, the method can include the UE disabling configurations with bands
that may be unavailable. Responsive to determining that the location of the UE is
unknown, the UE can disable configurations that might be disabled in some regions
and use only the configurations that are not regulated. For instance, the UE can have
its configuration disabled for bands, such as WLAN bands UNII 1 & 2, responsive to
a reset or power off and the UE identifying available Wi-Fi access points (APs) within
its vicinity. The UE can disable configurations operating in the UNII 1 and UNII 2
bands or other bands channels or power levels that may be subject to regulation at
some of the locations or areas.
[0091] At operation 715, the method can include the UE fetching locations using geolocation
modes. UE can identify one or more UEs, WLAN access points or cellular base stations
within the range of its antenna. UE can then initiate communications (e.g., using
geolocation modes) to request information or data indicative of the location or region
in which the UE is located. The UE can fetch location using any geolocation mode,
including using IP, MAC or SSID requests of any nearby systems or data, receiving
MCC from any WLAN or location data from a GNSS. For instance, any information from
other UE devices, WLAN APs or cellular base stations, can be used to determine UE
device's geographical position. This can involve utilizing various location determination
methods such as GPS, Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS), or IP-based geolocation. The
UE may use GPS signals to triangulate its position or query a geolocation service
based on its IP address.
[0092] At operation 720, the method can utilize location-based band configuration. Responsive
to receiving information and determining geolocation of the LTE, UE can send a request
to a wireless communication network (e.g., WLAN or cellular network) to reconfigure
the communication using a preferred configuration, such as a configuration for WLAN
bands UNII 1 and 2. With the location data obtained, the UE can communicate with a
wireless network to apply a location-based UNI band plan. This can include configuring
the device's UMTS NR UNI band based on its current location. For instance, if the
UE determines that its location is in a region with specific regulatory restrictions
or requirements regarding wireless frequency bands, the UE can adjust its UNI band
plan to comply with local regulations and optimize network performance.
[0093] Turning now to FIG. 8, an example flow diagram of a method 800 for selecting and
applying configurations for wireless communications of a UE 120 based on the region
in which the UE 120 is located is illustrated. The method 800 can be performed by
a system having one or more processors configured to perform operations of the system
features and examples discussed in connection with FIGS. 1-6 by executing computer-readable
instructions stored on a memory. The method can be implemented using a non-transitory
computer readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by one or more
processors, cause the one or more processors to implement operations of the method
800. For instance, the method 800 can be implemented one or more processors 112 or
416 of a computing system executing non-transitory computer-readable instructions
stored on a memory (e.g., the memory 116).
[0094] The method 800 can include operations 805-820. At operation 805, the method can include
a UE device detecting a wireless network. At operation 810, the method can include
UE identifying a mode for geolocation determination. At operation 815, the method
can include the UE determining geolocation using the mode. At operation 820, the method
can select a configuration for wireless communication.
[0095] At operation 805, the method can include a UE device detecting a wireless network.
The method can include one or more processors of a wireless communication device detecting
a wireless network of an access point (AP). The one or more processors can be coupled
with memory and can be comprised within the wireless communication device that is
a user equipment (LTE) device, such as a AR or VR device, a smartphone device, a wearable
device (e.g., a smart watch), a tablet, a smart glasses device, a head wearable device,
a mobile hotspot device, or a wireless access point. The AP can include a base station
of cellular network or an AP of a WLAN, such as a Wi-Fi router. The AP can be configured
to support wireless communication according to a plurality of configurations. The
plurality of configurations can include configurations for wireless communications
via the wireless network of the AP. For example, the plurality of configurations can
include the configurations for a WLAN. For example, the plurality of configurations
can include the configurations for a cellular network.
[0096] The method can include the one or more processors detecting a signal of the wireless
network of the AP that includes a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) or WLAN device or a cellular
network device. The signal can include a signal of a WLAN of a Wi-Fi network. The
method can include the one or more processors detecting a signal of the wireless network
of the AP that is configured for cellular network communication. The signal can include
a cellular network signal. The method can include detecting a signal of a Bluetooth
coverage area of another UE device within range of the UE device.
[0097] At operation 810, the method can include UE identifying a mode for geolocation determination.
The method can include the one or more processors of the wireless communication device
identifying, based at least on a plurality of weights for a plurality of modes for
geolocation determination, a mode of the plurality of modes corresponding to a weight
of the plurality of weights. For instance, the UE device can identify a geolocation
mode from the plurality of geolocation modes based on a weight of the identified geolocation
mode.
[0098] The method can include determining weights of the plurality of geolocation modes
and using the determined weights to determine which one or more geolocation modes
of the plurality of geolocation modes are to be used to determine the location of
the UE device. The weights can be determined based on various signal and reliability
data of the signals or systems utilized for the given geolocation modes. For instance,
the one or more processors can determine the one or more weights for the one or more
geolocation modes to use based on, or using, at least one of: a strength of a signal
of at least one of navigation satellite system or a cellular network, an error rate
of the signal of at least one of the navigation satellite system or the cellular network,
or access to a wireless local area network (WLAN) positioning system or an internet
protocol (IP) address.
[0099] The plurality of geolocation modes can include at least two of: a mode for geolocation
determination using a navigation satellite system, a mode for geolocation determination
using a code received from a cellular network, a mode for geolocation determination
using a wireless local area network (WLAN) positioning system, a mode for geolocation
determination using an internet protocol (IP) address of the wireless communication
device and a mode for geolocation determination using a Bluetooth signal. For example,
a UE device can determine the weight of a MCC geolocation mode based on the reliability
or strength of the signal of the cellular network from which an MCC has been received.
For example, a UE device can determine the weight of a GNSS geolocation mode based
on at least one of a strength or reliability of the GNSS signal. The method can include
the one or more processors identifying, based on the plurality of weights, a second
mode of the plurality of modes corresponding to a second weight of the plurality of
weights for a second geolocation mode.
[0100] At operation 815, the method can include the UE device determining geolocation using
the mode. The method can include the one or more processors determining a geolocation
of the AP using the mode and the weight. For instance, the UE device can determine
the geolocation (e.g., location identifier of the UE device) using the geolocation
mode selected based on determining that the weight of the geolocation mode has a value
that is larger than values of all other weights of the plurality of the geolocation
modes.
[0101] The UE device can determine the location identifier of the UE device using a combination
of two geolocation modes whose respective weights exceed a threshold. For instance,
the geolocation function can compare the weights of each of the plurality of the geolocation
modes against a threshold for the weights of the modes. In response to two or more
weights exceeding the threshold for the weights of the modes, the geolocation function
can apply the weights in their respective ratios so as to weigh the determination
of each of the two or more geolocation modes based on their respective weights. The
method can include the one or processors determining the geolocation (e.g., location
identifier) of the base station or the AP whose using the second mode and the second
weight alongside the mode and the weight of the geolocation mode having the highest
weight.
[0102] The method can include the one or more processors selecting, from the plurality of
modes, one or more modes responsive to the detection of the signal. The one or more
modes can be selected based on the weights of the one or more modes exceeding a threshold
for the weights. The threshold can include a predetermined threshold to filter out
the modes whose signals or system performance reliability is low (e.g., below the
threshold of the weight). For example, the geolocation function of the UE device can
determine the location identifier (e.g., region, state, country or area) based on
any combination of one or more geolocation modes determining the location identifier,
using the determined weights of each of the geolocation modes as a parameter on which
to select those geolocation modes whose determination is most likely to be accurate
or reliable.
[0103] At operation 820, the method can select a configuration for wireless communication.
The method can include the one or more processors selecting, based at least on the
geolocation of the AP, a configuration of the plurality of configurations to use for
wireless communication with the AP. For instance, the UE device can identify or select
a set of configurations that are available for a location (e.g., region, state, area
or a country) based a regulation for the identified location. The method can include
the one or more processors selecting, based at least on the geolocation of the AP,
for the configuration, a communication band of a plurality of communication bands.
The selected band can include a frequency range for wireless communication via the
AP, such as a WLAN band or a cellular network band. The method can include the one
or more processors configuring the wireless communication device according to the
configuration to use the communication band for wireless communication between the
wireless communication device and the AP.
[0104] The method can include the one or more processors, based at least on the geolocation
of the AP, for the configuration, a channel of a plurality of channels of a communication
band. The channel can include a range of frequencies within a band of the plurality
of bands available for wireless communication with the AP. The method can include
the one or more processors configuring the wireless communication device according
to the configuration to use the channel for wireless communication between the wireless
communication device and the AP.
[0105] The method can include the one or more processors selecting, based at least on the
geolocation of the AP, for the configuration, a power level from a plurality of power
levels for transmission of wireless communications. The power level can include a
transmission power level for a given wireless communication within a wireless band
or a wireless communication channel. The one or more processors can configure the
wireless communication device according to the configuration to transmit communications
of the wireless communication device to the AP at the power level.
[0106] The method can include the one or more processors selecting, based at least on the
geolocation of the AP, for the configuration, any one or more of: a quality of service
(QoS) setting for wireless communication with the AP, a security setting (e.g., encryption
setting) or a roaming setting for the wireless communication. The QoS setting, the
security setting or the roaming setting can be applied for a given wireless network
(e.g., WLAN or cellular network) of the AP. The one or more processors can configure
the wireless communication device according to the configuration utilizing the QoS
setting, the security setting or the roaming setting.
[0107] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing
is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular,
although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method
acts or system elements, those acts, and those elements can be combined in other ways
to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection
with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other
implementations or implementations.
[0108] The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes,
operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in
connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with
a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP),
an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete
hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions
described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional
processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be
implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP
and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors
in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments,
particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to
a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device, etc.) may
include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.)
for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes,
layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include
volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, and may include database components, object
code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for
supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present
disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected
to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing
(e.g., by the processing circuit and/or the processor) the one or more processes described
herein.
[0109] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any
machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the
present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a
special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this
or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the
present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for
carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general
purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,
such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical
disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other
medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above
are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions
include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain
function or group of functions.
[0110] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" "comprising" "having" "containing"
"involving" "characterized by" "characterized in that" and variations thereof herein,
is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional
items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter
exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist
of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts,
or components.
[0111] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods
herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality
of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or
act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References
in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems
or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations.
References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element can
include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any
information, act, or element.
[0112] Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation
or embodiment, and references to "an implementation," "some implementations," "one
implementation" or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended
to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection
with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment.
Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation.
Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively,
in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.
[0113] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed
by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility
of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference
signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.
[0114] Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the characteristics thereof. References to "approximately," "about"
"substantially" or other terms of degree include variations of +/-10% from the given
measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements
can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly
or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is
thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description.
[0115] The term "coupled" and variations thereof includes the joining of two members directly
or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed)
or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the
two members coupled directly with or to each other, with the two members coupled with
each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members
coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with each other using an
intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of
the two members. If "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional
term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above
is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly
coupled" means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member),
resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided
above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
[0116] References to "or" can be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using
"or" can indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms.
A reference to "at least one of 'A' and 'B'" can include only 'A', only 'B', as well
as both 'A' and 'B'. Such references used in conjunction with "comprising" or other
open terminology can include additional items.
[0117] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions,
structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially
departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein.
For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts
or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the
nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design,
operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without
departing from the scope of the appended claims.
[0118] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below")
are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. The
orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,
and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.